MRI fiasco: IRIA supports the arrested radiologist

Mumbai police arrested Dr Siddhant Shah, who was on duty and in charge of the radiology department at BYL Nair Hospital when a patient’s relative, died after getting sucked in by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine on January 27. Meanwhile, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA), has alleged that Dr Shah was arrested without any proof

On January 27, Rajesh Maru, 32, was yanked towards the MRI machine by its magnetic force after he entered the room carrying an oxygen cylinder, inhaled the gas that leaked out of the container, and died in BYL Nair Hospital.

The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) has led its support to Dr Shah. In the upcoming days, the Radiologist’s organisation across the country will be meeting Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and BYL Nair Hospital’s dean.

Speaking to My Medical Mantra, Dr Jignesh Thakker, past president Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) said, “He lost his life due to the hospital administration’s negligence. But, Dr Shah was dragged in it. He was just called for an inquiry and was arrested without any proof. This is wrong.”

He added, “Many a times, radiology experts are arrested without committing any mistake. While working in the MRI room a doctor cannot see what is happening outside. It is wrong to arrest Dr Shah without knowing what exactly has happened. Why Radiology’s HOD or Dr Ramesh Bharmal, Dean, BYL Nair Hospital have not been arrested for death due to negligence?”

In this matter, the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association will discuss with its members and decide about the future course of action.